The promotion of democracy is extensive within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council, Worship Council and pupil questionnaires. Children in each class vote for the children they want to represent them on the School Council and Worship Council.
Staff, parents and governors all have the chance to have their voices heard. The school consult with all stakeholders on changes to policies and the school vision. The views of staff, parents and children are gained through questionnaires.
The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school worship times. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.
We support the Mini Police programme in school and work closely with the PCSO.
As a school, part of our vision is exploring old and new horizons. Pupils are given as many learning opportunities and experiences as possible and are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advise how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Pupils are given the freedom to make choices, for example signing up for extra-curricular clubs, choosing the level of challenge in some lessons and deciding what to present at class assemblies to parents.
As a Church of England School, our ethos is based around core Christian values, including respect. This is supported by our values led worship time and main hall display, with a different value each half term. Pairs of classes from different Key Stages are linked as ‘Learning Buddies’. The classes meet together to work on different projects, which helps to promote respect between children of different ages.
Mutual respect is encouraged through our staff and governor meetings. Every view and opinion is asked for and respected. Interactions with families are respectful and are encouraged through our school communication systems using Class Dojo, Tapestry and informal interactions during school drop off and collection.
Aspects of our vision - exploring old and new horizons - are achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Worship times and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE.